First Photos of Amsterdam

The first ever photographs of Amsterdam are now on display at Amsterdam’s City Archives, and show a unique glimpse into the history of Amsterdam between 1845 and 1875.

The Amsterdam City Archive exhibition runs from 2 April to 27 June 2010. The First Photos of Amsterdam 1845-1875 showcases the best photos of the Dutch capital with no cars, bicycles or houseboats and no pavements or road signs. Many of the city streets we know today were canals back then. Craftsmen and tradesmen populated warehouses which have long since been replaced by high-rise office buildings or hotels.

The earliest photograph dates from 1845 and was taken by Eduard Isaac Asser from the window of his home. The negative has been preserved.

Many of the monuments and windmills in their photographs were on the verge of being torn down. The open harbor front on the IJ would soon make way for the central railway station. Newly built districts were starting to appear on the outskirts of the city.

In these photographs, Amsterdam may not be a city at the height of its prosperity but its picturesque charm is undeniable.

Alongside presenting a richly varied view of the city, the exhibition also introduces a range of techniques and applications including photo albums, city scapes, souvenir & travel albums and stereo photos.